Original Plat of Columbia, 1786
Document Description:
This is the original map outlining South Carolina’s future capital city. Columbia was chosen as the new state capital in 1786. Selected out of compromise for its central location within the state, Columbia was expected to balance the unequal sway of the lowcountry’s wealthy planters over the backcountry population in the state legislature. Although tensions between the two groups were not immediately resolved, Columbia did grow from the rural area depicted here into a thriving city.
Citation:
Columbia, 1786. Plat of Columbia, Original Survey. MB 7-7. Map Collection. South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Columbia, South Carolina.
Correlating SC Social Studies Academic Standards:
Standard 3-3: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the American Revolution and South Carolina’s role in the development of the new American nation.
Indicator 3-3.3 Summarize the effects of the American Revolution in South Carolina, including the establishment of a new nation and a new state government and capital. (H, P, G)
Standard 8-2: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the American Revolution--the beginnings of the new American nation and South Carolina's part in the development of that nation.
Indicator 8-2.5 Explain the economic and poltical tensions between the people of the Upcountry and the Lowcountry of South Carolina, including the economic struggles of both groups following the American Revolution, their disagreement over representation in the General Assembly and the location of the new capital city, and the transformation of the state's economy that was caused by the production of cotton and convinced lowcountry men to share power with upcountry men. (H, G, P, E)